The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently filed an application to the University Grants Commission (UGC) seeking the status of a Deemed University. This latest development in the field of higher education in India has caught the interest of many.
Why is NCERT Seeking Deemed University Status?
With the government’s proposal to make NCERT an institute of national importance currently on hold, the council has decided to seek the status of Deemed University. This status will enable NCERT to offer graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees independently. It will also provide the organization with autonomy in introducing programmes, structuring courses, conducting examinations, management, among other functions.
Currently, the graduate and postgraduate programmes offered by NCERT’s Regional Institute of Education (RIE) are affiliated with prominent local universities across India. Despite providing innovative teacher education courses through RIEs for several years, NCERT still needs approval from these local universities to introduce programmes.
About The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
Established in 1961, NCERT is an autonomous organisation created by the Government of India to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for improving the quality of school education. The highest decision-making body of NCERT is its Executive Committee (EC), chaired by the Education Minister.
NCERT’s primary objectives include undertaking, promoting and coordinating research in areas related to school education, preparing and publishing model textbooks, supplementary material, newsletters, journals, and developing educational kits, multimedia digital materials, etc.
What is a Deemed University?
A Deemed University is a type of higher education institute recognized as “deemed-to-be-university” under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. Being a Deemed University provides the institution with several benefits like increased funding opportunities, attracting better faculty, flexible admissions policies, and the authority to revise the curriculum, conduct examinations and evaluations on their own.
Different Types of Universities in India
Indian education system hosts various types of universities, including Central University, State University, Private University, Institutions of National Importance, and Institutions under State Legislature Act. A Central University is established or incorporated by a Central Act and funded by the Union Government.
In contrast, a State University is established or incorporated by a Provincial or State Act. A Private University is established through a State/Central Act by a sponsoring body such as a Society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, a Public Trust, or a Company registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956.
An Institution of National Importance is established by an Act of Parliament and declared so by the government. They are funded by the Government of India and include institutions like IITs, NITs and AIIMs. Finally, an Institution under State Legislature Act is established or incorporated by a State Legislature Act.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims
The Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC often includes questions related to education in India. For instance, in 2018, one question was about Wood’s Dispatch and its impact on the Indian education system. This was significant because Wood’s Dispatch laid the foundation for the current educational structure in India with the introduction of the Grants-in-Aid system and recommendation for the establishment of universities. Though it endorsed English as a medium of instruction, the Dispatch also emphasized teaching Indian languages at primary levels.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024